Chapter 230 - Staying Inside The City

(From Mc's Perspective)

As I'm thinking about the unknown monster. I heard a mechanical voice.

"Ding! Participant Zack Lockwood fails to clear the 19th floor."

"Total floor cleared:18"

"The corresponding reward has been calculated."

Hearing that I looked around. I understand this voice is some type of guide. Sure, this floor is not a combat floor. Maybe this floor is used for giving rewards.  Suddenly, an object reaches me slowly from above. I looked at it closely to observe. 

"Storage Ring" 

A bright object falls over my palm. I immediately seeped my consciousness into it. "Goodness" I sucked cold breath. I already sensed those auras, some high grade herbs were placed in it. Finally, something good. I became excited to check out all the rewards. I don't know how many rewards are placed in it. The mechanical voice didn't hint about it.

Just as I'm beaming with joy, I feel my vision vanishes. Then I suddenly appear outside of the Star Tower gate. Seeing my appearance, a huge exclamation broke outside. "Look here, Zack comes out!" Someone pointed fingers at me. His words reach everyone's ears. Their gaze falls on Zack immediately.

Under the eyes of everyone, I walked out slowly. I can perceive their gazes, some gazes filled with envy, some with admiration and mostly with malice or unkind gazes. I didn't even look at them. But my gaze falls on the leaderboard ranking.

[Name, Place- Floor- Clearance time – Rank]

[Zack Lockwood, Hansen Campus- 18th – 1.10min – 1st Rank]   

Seeing my name dazzling in block letters, I smiled. Earlier, there was some regret in my heart due to failure on the 19th floor. But now looking at the leaderboard, I realized I have a stable ranking. This is enough for me, at least no one will be able to break this record for a while.

I'm not being arrogant thinking like that. I'm both body and essence cultivator. Even I can't defend against the mob attacks of the monsters. So, there will hardly be anyone who will be able to succeed.

Shaking my head, I retract my glance from the leaderboard and I stride forward towards the exit. My task here has been completed. I don't think it's necessary to stay here and waste more time. It's better to go home and try to increase my strength. 

"Zack Lockwood" Someone calls out from the crowd.

Just as I'm walking towards the exit, I heard someone calling my name. I turn around to take a  look at the person .

"Official" I said.

That person is none other than a Star Tower official. He actually went away for sometime to make some arrangements. When he came back at the gate, He didn't expect Zack to exit from the Star Tower suddenly.

As he walked in front of him with an admiring gaze, He said, "Zack, I believe you don't know the latest news. The Star Tower Event will be going on till the end of the month. Until then, no one is allowed to leave the city."

On the other hand, I stand in silence to think. Then I answered, "is it a content issue?" 

Hearing that Star official instead of replying he nodded his head in solemn expression. 

Observing his expression, I understood the seriousness. Then I let out a deep sigh. I don't know what I'm going to do for a month.

Then I replied, "Okay, I won't leave the city till the end of the competition. " After saying that I began to walk away.

"Wait" the official called out, 

I halted my footsteps hearing his calling. I turned around and asked, "is there something else?"

The official created a sound barrier enveloping both Zack and him.

He looked at Zack and said, "I want to give you a friendly reminder. The city is actually under emergency law."

Hearing that, I was stunned. Why would there be an emergency situation? I looked at him for an answer.

The official further added, " Usually, it's normal for various forces to cause disturbance during the event. So far they don't have the guts to do it inside the city. This is also one of the reasons we didn't allow participants to go out of the city after their challenge." 

My expression becomes dignified listening to his words. I commented, "is it that serious?"

Hearing that the official smiled wryly, He answered, "It's a very delicate situation. These people are from various forces. Off which some where friends and somewhere enemies. What do you think they will do? Once the talented warrior walk out from the city."

Damn it, I already had my fair share of experience on this issue. I don't want to fall into a new whirlpool. 

At this time, the official observed Zack's expression and said in a serious tone. "Especially, You are 1st Rank Holder in this event so far. Though you are from a humble background. People won't leave you alive just because of that. So, it's more dangerous for you personally to go out alone. Ask someone powerful from your campus to accompany you."

Hearing that I nodded and answered, "Thanks officially for your reminder. Otherwise, I'm planning to head out now." 

The official nodded and said, " Well, the Hall Master told me to inform you personally. Since, You are the number 1 ranked. He doesn't want any mishap to happen to you."

Hearing that I nodded. They are worried about their reputation, if something bad happens to me. After that little chat, we parted our ways. I never thought the matter would be this serious. "Looks like target behind my back is going to increase." I spoke to myself. 

Then I increased my pace towards the exit. It's necessary to find a suitable inn for a month. I have to hurry, I hope they won't increase their room price after hearing the announcement. While walking on the way, I sent messages to my family and Hansen teachers. 

Time progressed, 

A half an hour later, I entered a somewhat medium size inn. Looking at my appearance, the female receptionist glanced for a moment and asked, "Hellos Sir, How May I help you?"

Hearing that I requested a one person room for a month's stay. 

Receptionist began to check the availability of rooms, after hearing my request. 

She said, "Sir, Actually there is only one room available at this moment." 

Hearing that I nodded and asked, "How much is the rent?" 

The receptionist answered, "Sir, the price is 1000 Credits/day. And a total of 30,000 Credits for a month."

My heart bleeds out hearing that, I didn't have that much in my wallet. But Elder Thornton sent me some amount for emergency use. I really don't want to use that amount. Since, there is emergency law in place. I don't have any choice. 

After paying that amount, the receptionist registered my details and gave me access code. I walked upstairs towards the room after collecting the access codes. The room number is ten. I entered the access codes in the monitoring system.

"Creak"

The door slid open, I locked the room after entering inside.

After entering the room, I couldn't help but curse out loud, "Damn, Why is there so much price under the emergency ban?" Shaking my head in frustration, I removed my clothes and prepared to take a long shower. 

A several minutes later, 

I wore comfortable clothes after shower. Then I began to sit on the sofa to watch the news. There is also a large television screen in this room. I turned on and switched channels to the alliance network. Currently, the news is being broadcast based on geographical location.

Since, I'm in westward city, the news is also mostly about this city and its surrounding regions. My expression becomes little worse, there is no news about Star Tower event. "What is going on?" I mumbled under my breath. Currently, The news is being broadcasting about the rain forecast. 

Is it even important now? I feel bad for a moment. Suddenly, my wrist watch buzzes with a call. "It is from my Uncle."

Hearing that I attended it, "Zack, Where are you?" Mr. James said in urgency from the other side of the call.

Then I explained my situation clearly. Hearing that Mr. James sighed in relief. 

Then I asked, "Uncle, what is it? Is there any situation?"

On the other hand, Mr. James said, " There is no situation so far. But you have to be careful. Don't leave the city until Elder Thornton reaches there."

Hearing that I recalled the words of the Official from the Star Tower. "Uncle, An official from the Star tower already spoke to me about the disturbance caused by forces." I said in a solemn tone.

Mr. James also confirms the situation from their side. He commented, "Everything is fine until your ranking starts to kick up. Suddenly we received an intel stating that there will be some forces going to target you, Once you leave the city."

"What?" I exclaimed in surprise. I believe it's really too fast. It's hard to believe so many forces will move quickly enough. 

Hearing Zack's surprised tone. He couldn't help but to worry. But he comforted him by saying, " Don't worry, Elder Thornton has some plans.. Until then, stay there quietly."